A fascinating insight into the European economic psyche

In Europe, what started out four years ago as a sovereign debt crisis, morphed into a euro currency crisis and led to the fall of several European governments.

It has now triggered a full-blown crisis of public confidence: in the economy, in the future, in the benefits of European economic integration, in membership in the European Union, in the euro and in the free market system.

Most Europeans are very worried about joblessness, inflation and public debt, and those fears are fueling much of this uncertainty and negativity.

The Pew Research Centre published a chart showing how European countries feel about each other.

Country

EU Nation Most Offered as Top Choice for “Most Hardworking”

Britain

Germany

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Spain

Germany

Italy

Germany

Greece

Greece

Poland

Germany

Czech Rep.

Germany

The crisis has exposed sharp differences between some Europeans.

As you can see from the table above, the Greek’s have a different view about the world to the other European nations

Germany is the most admired nation in the EU and its leader the most respected. The Germans are judged to be Europe’s most hardworking people. And the Germans are the strongest supporters of both European economic integration and the European Union.

Greece is the polar opposite. None of its fellow EU members surveyed see it in a positive light. In turn, Greeks are among the most disparaging of European economic integration and the harshest critics of the European Union. And they see themselves as Europe’s most hard working people.

Michael is a director of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and his opinions are regularly featured in the media. Visit Metropole.com.au

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